Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-05
GILBERT PLOw COMPANY.
Capital Stock 500. 600 With Capacity OF 20. 900
Plows Per Year. Employing Five Hun
dred Hands.

GILBERT PLOW COMPANY.
Capital Stock 500. 600 With Capacity Of 2o.o 900
Plows Per Year. Employing Five Hun
dred Hands.
1t will be remembered that some months
ago Mr. 1. r. Gilbert, of Illinois, came to
the city on double mission, one to visit
friends and relatives, and the other to try
his new patent plow ''the live Yankee" In
Kansas soil. He invited some of the leading
business men of the city to witness the trial
who gladly responded with their presence.
The test, in the minds Of all present, was
most successful one and at once it became
evident to those present that the plow was
much better than any other they had seen.
Some had been manufactured and Mr.. Gil
bert was accosted on the subject OF establish
ing mandatory at this point for making
the Give Yankee plow." He at first seemed
rather Indifferent over the matter but stated
that he intended to manufacture the pillow
somewhere in the near future. He has
several other patents out and pillow compa-
mics making the same paying royalty
for the privilege These companies were over
persistent in their efforts to gain the same
privilege on his last patent, but he persist
emily refused, believing it much better than
any other he had introduced and much
easier to manufacture, and hence concluded
to manufacture it himself, and if any I'M
proyements presented themselves. he would
also take advantage of the same.
The fact of his deciding to manufact urt
was communicated to Kansas City and 6
number Of other towns. 1t was adJudgeo
by all that the enterprise would be OF merit
to any city gaining the same, and hence
strong inducements were offered to secure
the plant. The many towns came forward
with quite handsome Inducements Mr.. Gil
bert put no figure on location, but set time
when bids would be received. He argued
that if the plant was worth anything to any
to any city or section of city, he simply
wanted to know of those who would be bene
fitted by the same, the amount they were
willing to give. Wichita came FORWARD
with four bids for site. While they
were being prepared, there was M
little effort made to consolidating the bld'
fearing that division of forces would prove
disastrous to the schemes. Kansas CltJ
came forward with single offer OF dlmen
sions and it was feared that . non-union o.
forces in this city would be rewarded will
defeat. The effort at union in the matter
was unsuccessful and the north end came W
with a strong bid; probably as strong a
could have been secured from the entire city
upon a final location. The bids were ex
amined a few days by Mr.. Gilbert when thu
decision was for the north end bid. Fifty
acres of land was given near the corner O
Twenty-fifth street and Cleveland avenue
laying in body near seven lines OF railroads
Other property was induced in the bid loca
ted in the city. The understanding was t.
put the manufactures near the corner o.
Twenty-fifth street and Cleveland avenue.
Mr.. Gilbert's accepting the bid was followed
a contract binding the offers in which it ap
pears no property is really transferred unit
the plant is put in operation.
A company with capital stock OF 500,
600 was organized in the city, MIR. Gllber
owning large per cent. A charter wa
applied for, which has been granted, ant
was returned yesterday. Plans for suit
able building are being drawn by Architec
A. Peabody, and will be completed in few
days. The building will cover not less thai
$4,000 square feet. Excavations are now be
ing made, and as soon as the contract is lie
for erecting the building Mr.. Gilbert vii
return east and make the purchase of tn
necessary machinery for the plant. Th
building will be one story brick.
There will be two engines, each having 1
capacity of fifty horse power. Draw-beams
trip-hammers. presses, binding machines
lathes, drill for presses emery wheels, heav,
grindstones and such other ma
chinery necessary to give an annua
output of 10000 plows will be secured b.
Mr.. Gilbert while east.
From the first near 500 men will be givel
employment and it is believed that the de
mand for the plow will soon be increased t
such an extent as to give employment +
several hundred more. The site is such as t
give the best railroad facilities that woul'
be gained from any point on the suberbs
The railroad companies have agreed to sup
ply the plant with all switches and facilitie
necbessary to make the plant easy of access
The striking feature Of the yankee" plov
to the one using it is its light draft which
said to be near half Of that of any othe
pillow. The commendable feature to tn
manufacturing company is the small cost
making the same. 1t is said to cost less thai
any other. The plan is simple, s:vini
strength and doing the work peatly AM
easily.
Mr.. Gilbert has been in the piow bushes
all his life. He will be general manager o
the company and superintend in person To
plant. Every effort will be made TO get Tn
plant in operation as early as possible.
ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING.